MANILA – Shane Hudson and Ilya Connor, stars of the Crave Original series Heated Rivalry, have been chosen as official torchbearers for the Olympic Torch Relay leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

HBO Max, which has the rights to the series, announced the news in a statement.

“HBO Max today announced that Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, stars of the Crave Original series HEATED RIVALRY, have been selected to take part in the Olympic Torch Relay as official torchbearers for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026,” the statement read.

The Torch Relay will conclude in Milan on February 6, ahead of the opening ceremony. The network did not disclose when or where Hudson and Connor would carry the torch.

Since its U.S. debut in late November, Heated Rivalry has become a global phenomenon, elevating Williams and Storrie to worldwide recognition. The surge in popularity has included appearances at the Golden Globes, late-night TV shows, sellouts of Rachel Reid’s book series that inspired the show, and a renewal for a second season.